Aston Villa climbed into the Premier League’s top three after Boubacar Kamara delivered a brilliant match-winner in a hard-fought derby against Wolves.
Kamara’s superb second-half strike secured Villa’s fifth straight victory in all competitions and moved Unai Emery’s side to within a point of Manchester City.
For long spells, however, Villa found it difficult to break down a determined Wolves side who remain rooted to the bottom of the table and still without a league win this season.
Despite their league position, Wolves created the better chances in the first half.
Jørgen Strand Larsen had an early finish ruled out after Jhon Arias was deemed to be obstructing Emi Martínez from an offside position.
The Villa goalkeeper was then forced into action, tipping Yerson Mosquera’s header onto the crossbar and later saving from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
Villa weathered the pressure and finally found their breakthrough with 23 minutes remaining.
Kamara collected the ball on the edge of the area and rifled it into the top corner, leaving Wolves keeper José Sá with no chance.
This wasn’t one of Villa’s most fluent showings under Emery, but it was exactly the type of performance needed to stay in the chase at the top.
Chances were limited, creativity was inconsistent, and once again they relied on a long-range finish - something that has become a theme this season.
More than half of Villa’s league goals have come from outside the box, a trend that could be risky if opponents tighten up.
Ollie Watkins’ goal drought continued after being dropped to the bench, and although Donyell Malen remains in good form, Villa still lack a guaranteed scorer inside the penalty area.
But Emery’s tactical discipline continues to turn close games in Villa’s favour.
They remain third despite underlying metrics suggesting they should be much lower, and supporters will not care so long as the points keep coming.
Wolves’ performance carried energy and intent, but the ending was all too familiar.
They created the clearer chances, defended bravely, and even thought they had taken the lead before VAR intervened - yet they once again failed to secure the result their effort deserved.
The lack of a decisive moment in the final third continues to haunt them, while Villa produced exactly that through Kamara.
Wolves have now gone 13 league games without a win and are edging closer to the record for the longest winless start to a Premier League season.
There are positives for Rob Edwards: commitment, organisation, and a level of performance that will cause problems for teams lower down the table.
But Wolves need more than valiant displays - they need goals, and quickly, if a great escape is to become anything more than a dream.
